Braves claim Kevin Chapman off waivers from Astros

Houston Astros relief pitcher Kevin Chapman (50) pitches during the second inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Kevin Chapman (50) pitches during the second inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Houston Astros relief pitcher Kevin Chapman (50) pitches during the second inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Kevin Chapman (50) pitches during the second inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Braves claim Kevin Chapman off waivers from Astros

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The Atlanta Braves claimed left-handed relief pitcher Kevin Chapman off waivers from the Astros, the teams announced Monday.

The Astros had placed Chapman, 29, on waivers on Saturday with the hopes of passing him through unclaimed and outrighting him to Class AAA Fresno. If Chapman doesn't make the Braves' opening day roster, he will once again be exposed to waivers because he is out of minor league options.

Chapman's departure leaves the Astros with 39 players on their 40-man roster. Behind Tony Sipp they have two other lefthanded relievers in Reymin Guduan and Ashur Tolliver but neither of the two is expected to make the opening day roster.

Chapman had a 4.87 ERA in 61 innings in Class AAA last season and owns a career 4.09 ERA in 55 major league innings from 2013 to 2016.

Odds & ends- Preston Tucker hit in live batting practice for the first time this spring on Monday. He is working back from September shoulder surgery.

- For a split squad game against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Fla., Alonzo Powell will coach the Astros since bench coach Alex Cora is with Team Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic. Brad Peacock, Evan Gattis, Josh Reddick and Jake Marisnick will start that game. Dallas Keuchel will start the home game.

- Starter Mike Fiers, who missed his start last Saturday because of hamstring soreness, has to complete a running program before he can throw a bullpen session, which Hinch said will be in a "day or two."